Houthi Leader Claims Israeli Officers Operating from Saudi Bases

The leader of Yemen's Houthi movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has reiterated claims that Saudi Arabia is harboring Israeli officers and intelligence equipment, alleging that American transport planes moved them from Cyprus to bases near Yemen. According to al-Houthi, these aircraft conducted surveillance and intelligence flights over the Saudi province of Saada before being returned after a ceasefire. This accusation is part of the Houthis' ongoing psychological warfare aimed at embarrassing the Saudi royal family and portraying it as "Zionist" to the Arab public, thereby justifying continued attacks against Saudi targets.

While Saudi Arabia consistently intercepts projectiles launched from Yemen towards Israel, the Houthis interpret this as active defense of Israel. However, reports in international and Israeli media suggest Saudi Arabia has sought intelligence assistance from Israel, mediated by the U.S. CENTCOM, to counter the Houthis. Israel reportedly provides information on deployments, early warnings, and "target banks." The Houthis appear to be escalating these reports into claims of "Zionist officers on Saudi soil" and "complete opening of the skies."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously confirmed that Israel was actively assisting Riyadh against the Houthis, stating that Saudi Arabia was "very happy to receive the support of Israel and our support." He also affirmed that Riyadh should accept Israeli aid, particularly intelligence sharing.

Despite Trump's optimism, the political reality is more complex. Sources indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman lacks trust in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hindering significant progress toward normalization. The article notes that any genuine intelligence cooperation, if it exists, would be conducted covertly through American channels, not via overt flights over Saudi Arabia, as sensitive military aircraft often mask their transmissions.

The Houthis' motivation for these claims stems from their direct military confrontation with Saudi Arabia and indirect conflict with Israel. Experts suggest their successes, which include inflicting painful blows on Saudi Arabia, rely heavily on sophisticated Iranian intelligence. Al-Houthi uses the narrative of "Saudi betrayal" to explain to his supporters why he continues to attack the Kingdom and why the "enemy" is successful, framing Israel as the primary cause of their troubles.